Forum Discussion

Navyvette's avatar
Navyvette
Explorer
Dec 25, 2018

Neat little trick conversion

I am moving and instead of paying to have my RV moved this time I decided to pull it and I rented a U-Haul to pull my 20’ cargo trailer. The only problem I had was my trailer is setup with a 2 5/16” coupler and the U-Haul has a welded 2” ball rated for 10k. My trailer is lighter than this and even though the U-Haul has a 2” channel to put an offset hitch in I really didn’t want to spend a ton of money on an entire hitch just for the one trip.
So how to use a 2” ball with a 2 5/16” coupler? I found this, I didn’t even know these existed but super cheap and as long as I’m not exceeding the rating of the 2” ball.

Link

Neat little piece to have in the tool box
  • DutchmenSport's avatar
    DutchmenSport
    Explorer
    Dec 25, 2018
    I've never seen one of these before, pretty slick. My only suggestion would be to pack it full of grease, inside and outside. Other than this, I see no reason why this wouldn't work.

    Good luck!
  • packnrat's avatar
    packnrat
    Explorer
    Dec 25, 2018
    but great in ss. BUT is the metal HARDENED? or just "stock" metal?
    lower grade metals will deform, crack. and you can lose the trailer easily.

    so if you must "adapt" use with caution.
  • Navyvette's avatar
    Navyvette
    Explorer
    Dec 25, 2018
    Yea it’s pretty much a one time use to get me home and just something to have in the tool box for emergencies as I wouldn’t use this as a permanent solution either.
    Good idea on the grease as you can’t have too much of that. .
  • All_I_could_aff's avatar
    All_I_could_aff
    Explorer
    Dec 25, 2018
    I have never seen or heard of these before this. While not the hot set up for a permanent use, I could see it coming in very handy in a pinch
  • WTP-GC's avatar
    WTP-GC
    Explorer
    Dec 26, 2018
    I wouldn't hesitate to use that at all!
    To the comment about losing the trailer...a 2 5/16" coupler that's not wore out will not come off a a 2" ball. Not that I would ever recommend towing like this, but believe it or not, people do it everyday simply because they don't know the difference. I've personally towed short trips this way with an unloaded trailer because I was in a pinch.
  • DownTheAvenue's avatar
    DownTheAvenue
    Explorer
    Dec 26, 2018
    Your U-Haul contract specifically disallows the use of any of their vehicles to pull any trailer other than one of theirs that you have rented. You better read that rental contract carefully, as you may find yourself in a very difficult legal situation.
  • carringb's avatar
    carringb
    Explorer
    Dec 26, 2018
    All modern U-haul trucks 14' and longer have a standard 2" receiver as well. I think only the little single-rear-wheel trucks don't get them, and those have a way lower rating anyways
  • Ozlander's avatar
    Ozlander
    Explorer
    Dec 26, 2018
    DownTheAvenue wrote:
    Your U-Haul contract specifically disallows the use of any of their vehicles to pull any trailer other than one of theirs that you have rented. You better read that rental contract carefully, as you may find yourself in a very difficult legal situation.

    And all of their trailers have a 45 mph limit.
    How does that work for you?
  • BarabooBob's avatar
    BarabooBob
    Explorer III
    Dec 26, 2018
    From the U Haul truck user intructions:
    "If you plan to tow your own trailer, check with a U-Haul representative to determine the maximum trailer weight you can tow. Make sure your trailer is properly loaded, that the coupler and safety chains are attached and that the trailer lights are working properly. See your trailer owner's manual for more information."
    This is in your legal contract. If you violate it, I would drive very cautiously and have a thick wallet.

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